For Koel Mallick, Mitin Mashi is an emotion. In Jongole Mitin Mashi, her second film as the sharp sleuth, Koel is after a gang of elephant poachers for which she travels to the forests of Saranda. The actress tells us why the Arindam Sil-directed film resonates so strongly with her and her process of becoming Mitin.

What was your first reaction when you got to know that Jongole Mitin Mashi would be made?

Koel Mallick: I was thrilled to bits. It is about kindness to yourself and towards the world, and most importantly it’s about wildlife conservation. This is what Jongole Mitin Mashi talks about, which makes the film so relevant. This time Mitin Mashi is way more vibrant and sharp as she’s dealing with poachers.

What is your process of becoming Mitin Mashi?

Koel Mallick: I did the first Mitin Mashi film in 2019. I had read the Mitin Mashi Somogro way before that but never did I think I would be Mitin Mashi on the big screen! When the Mitin Mashi offer came to me for the first time, I went back to the book again. Then I read the script, which was slightly modified. I started making my own preparations and it was fascinating to understand that Mitin is an emotion which is there in every mother, grandmother or aunt. For me, Mitin Mashi is about feeling and behaving like a character that everybody would idealise and get motivated by to always stand for the truth, and think and speak only good.

How do you get into the headspace of a character after a gap of four years?

Koel Mallick: Once Mitin is done, it is there in your system. Mitin is an emotion and you can’t bring your emotion outside the system. She is not just another character for me. When I prepared for Mitin Mashi for the first time, it got into my system and stayed with me. It will stay with me forever.

Jongole Mitin Mashi is about how elephants are being killed by poachers for their tusks; this is what Mitin is investigating. This time Mitin is way more charged up.

You have shot in the jungle of Saranda. Any memory that stands out?

Koel Mallick: We shot in the deepest parts of the Saranda forests. There would be big billboards everywhere alerting us about animals like cheetahs and leopards. We actually experienced the thrill of going deep into the jungle. Along with that there was one day when I got to see a lot of deer.

There was an elephant named Rajani. She was the one who would be welcoming us and would stay right in front of the Saranda jungle. It was amazing to have that connection. Rajani became my friend. It was fun feeling the heartbeat of the cute big animal. During the shooting, I got a long time off, so I decided to visit a Shiva temple. It was fascinating.

Was the shooting process as adventurous as the film?

Koel Mallick: Oh yes, absolutely. We had to follow protocol and not talk loudly, not use microphones and strong fragrances, or wear dark colours. There were also instructions to not smoke.

Did this film or the filmmaking process take you back to your childhood days when you would watch adventure films?

Koel Mallick: Absolutely. This time it was actually more than just fun. The film has a very important social message. I remember going to Jaldapara as a child. Later, after my marriage, I went to Ranthambore for the first time with my husband. I saw a big tigress there. It was a great experience.

Did you have to train for the action scenes? Do you enjoy doing action?

Koel Mallick: I love action with a lot of emotions. I had to train in martial arts for the Mitin Mashi films. Martial arts got into my system just the way Mitin Mashi did. This time I didn’t have to put in too much effort. I did some kickboxing. The action sequences are being appreciated by everybody. Thanks to my trainer who helped me do it. I had to feel the strength from my body and the power has to show on my face. For that, I did different sorts of training.

Which is your favourite detective character other than Mitin?

Koel Mallick: Mitin is a mix of a woman who takes care of her family and someone who becomes a tigress when she faces criminals. This is the most fascinating part about Mitin. But I also love Feluda, Byomkesh Bakshi and Kiriti. They have their own signature characteristics.